Purdue University Writing Lab Developing Your Resume: The Experience Section A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab © Copyright Purdue University, 2000

Purdue University Writing Lab What is an experience section? A section that emphasizes your past and present employment and/or your participation in relevant activities Other common names: Professional Experience, Work History, Field Work, Volunteer Work, etc. Special names: Technical Experience, Supervisory Experience, Aviation Experience, etc.

Purdue University Writing Lab Informing to persuade Provide information to help persuade prospective employers that your experiences make you qualified for the job Help your resume stand out from others in the stack Construct your professional identity

Purdue University Writing Lab What goes into this section? Company or organization and location (city, state) Position title Dates of employment or involvement Descriptions of responsibilities, duties, achievements, etc.

Purdue University Writing Lab Where should you put this section? Above or below your education section? It depends… – How much work experience do you have? – Which is stronger, your education or your work experience section? Place strongest, most relevant section closest to top of the page

Purdue University Writing Lab Getting started… List your past and present experiences. Include: – jobs – volunteer positions – appointments – assistantships – internships – etc.

Purdue University Writing Lab Describing experiences To tailor the content of this section, circle each item that is… – Related to your career goals – Asked for in job ads and descriptions Choose one experience you circled and describe briefly Strategies to be discussed in next slides 1. Using action words 2. Answering the journalistic questions 3. Making descriptions parallel 4. Viewing experiences as a professional

Purdue University Writing Lab Developing your descriptions Use varied action words to describe experiences Answer the journalistic questions: – Who?…With whom did you work? – What? …What duties did you perform? – Where? …Where did your job fit into the organization? – Why? …What goals were you trying to accomplish? – When? …What timelines were you working under? – How? …What procedures did you follow?

Purdue University Writing Lab Developing your descriptions SAMPLE Before: planned activities Questions asked: What kinds?, How?, When?, For Whom? After: planned arts, crafts, activities, and exercises weekly for physically- challenged children

Purdue University Writing Lab Making your descriptions parallel COLUMN A Recording OSHA regulated documents Material purchasing and expediting Prepared weekly field payroll Responsible for charge orders COLUMN B Recorded OSHA regulated documents Conducted material purchasing and expediting Prepared weekly payroll Processed charge orders

Purdue University Writing Lab Try to see your experiences as a professional would UNDERSTATED – Answered phone – Wiped tables PROFESSIONAL – Acted as liaison between clients and legal staff – Created healthy environment for customers and maintained positive public image

Purdue University Writing Lab Ways to tailor this section Select content that supports your qualifications and matches job description Consider organizing by order of importance Use professional wording, integrating job- specific terms

Purdue University Writing Lab A formula for success Use appropriate headings Include required content Organize your section strategically Develop your descriptions Make your descriptions parallel See through professional eyes Tailor for your audience

Purdue University Writing Lab For More Help Developing Your Resume… Contact the Purdue University Writing Lab Heavilon 226 Grammar Hotline: (765) Check our web site: brief questions: